Online Time Management

Online Time Management

Regardless if you are working from an office cubicle or from home learning how to manage your time online is essential. By developing your time management skills you create good working habits, learn how to focus on the task at hand and increase your productivity.

Cut out the Distractions

Depending on your work environment, there may be a number of distractions that can influence your productivity. This especially true if you work from home. External interruptions can decrease your productivity as much as poor planning, lack of organization and randomly surfing the internet.

Plan Ahead

Managing your time online effectively and meeting your goals first starts with planning ahead. Organize several lists detailing the tasks that need to be accomplished on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Do not worry about the order of the tasks yet, only focus on all the tasks that need to be accomplished. Also, do not omit anything from the list. The key to time management is outlining all the tasks that need to be completed.

Finally, highlight any large projects on your list. Divide these into smaller tasks and designate them into daily, weekly and monthly projects depending on the due date. By doing this you are dividing your time online into smaller sections.

Prioritize

Organize your list according to priorities and estimate how much time should be spent working online to complete each task. Online time management starts with focusing your work and research. Otherwise, you may spend more time aimlessly surfing the internet or researching details that are "off topic" and will not help you reach your goals.

No Social Networking

Close all your social networking tools unless you need them to complete your work online. Chatting with your buddies via Instant Messenger and other internet networks can wait until after all your work is completed. Social networking while working on the internet will only decrease your productivity unless it is work related. If your social networking is work related make sure to stay focused and on topic.

Close your Windows

Limit the number of windows that are open on your PC or laptop while you are working to maintain your focus on the task at hand. Otherwise you will be prone to internet surfing which should be saved for your free time and the weekend.

Take Breaks

Online time management and productivity at work can be increased if you take breaks at regular intervals or if you feel fatigued. Often you start working on a task and lose track of time - which will eventually lead to a lack of focus. If you notice you are making mistakes frequently or are prone to web surfing, it is time to take at least a 10 to 15 minute break. Initially you may feel you are losing time by doing this. However, by taking a break you can improve your focus, thought process, productivity and motivation.